THE big thaw has hit Teesside with rain and warmer temperatures finally melting the snow and ice which has plagued the region for weeks.

THE big thaw has hit Teesside with rain and warmer temperatures finally melting the snow and ice which has plagued the region for weeks.

But more snow is still forecast to hit some areas today.

After weeks of Arctic conditions and heavy snow, Teessiders are being offered some respite as the big thaw kicks in.

Forecasters predict daytime temperatures will be above freezing for most of the week melting the treacherous ice and compacted snow.

Forecaster Michael Lawrence, from the Met Office, said: “There will be a lot of low cloud, mist and fog today and it will feel less cold with the strong winds easing. There will also be some spells of light rain and drizzle which will add to the thawing that has already begun.

“It will be much of the same into Wednesday and Thursday with large amounts of cloud keeping the temperatures across the country universally positive.”

However, up to 12cm of snow is expected to fall on high ground, including the north York Moors today. But this snow will turn to rain or sleet as temperatures rise.

And although temperatures are expected to dip again slightly at the weekend, they will not drop to the bone-chilling readings endured during the Arctic freeze earlier this month.

But thawing temperatures have resulted in fire crews attending incidents of flooding throughout the region due to pipes bursting.

Yesterday firefighters were called to Able UK at Billingham Reach Industrial Estate in the town after a burst pipe flooded the basement.

A spokesman for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: “If people are concerned turn the water off at the stop clock and apply gentle heat with a hair dryer until the water starts flowing again. But in the event of problem call a plumber.”

Burst pipes, caused by thawing snow, should be reported to Northumbrian Water, by calling 24-hours-a-day on 0800 393 084.